Bill to Ax Money for Politicized License Plates

New York Democrat Rep. Gary Ackerman wants to take away federal money from states that create license plates with the adopted tea party symbol, USA Today reported Friday.

The congressman said he plans to introduce a bill to eliminate 15 percent of the federal highway funds going to states that create plates promoting a political movement or party.

His bill is in response to Arizona lawmakers passing a bill to create the “Don’t Tread on Me” license plate. Tea party groups have adopted the historic Gadsden Flag as a symbol, flying it at rallies and events.

The flag depicts a coiled rattlesnake sitting top of the words “Don’t Tread on Me” on a yellow background.

Under the Arizona law, $17 out of the $25 annual fee for the vanity plate would go to support a committee that promotes “tea party government principles.”

Meanwhile, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has until May 2 to sign the bill that creates the vanity plate.